North Macedonia

North Macedonia replaced its 2011 gambling framework with a new Law on Games of Chance and Entertainment Games, adopted by the Assembly on 29 June 2026 by 60 votes to 20 and in force from 14 July 2026, with some provisions phased in.

What Happens to Online Betting in 2027?

Under the new law, the right to organise lottery, electronic and online games belongs to the state and is exercised through a wholly state-owned company. That company may hire private technology providers, platform suppliers and service companies through public procurement, but private operators will no longer hold online licences themselves. The current organiser of electronic games may operate under the old rules until 31 December 2026, and the state company takes over from 1 January 2027.

What Does the New Law Change for Operators and Players?

• Tax: online electronic games pay 15% of the difference between stakes and payouts, replacing the old 0.5% levy on total payments, and online lottery games pay 6% of total payments.
• Licence fee: an internet gambling licence now costs €200,000 for ten years, up from €50,000 for four.
• Requirements: a .mk domain, payments only through domestic banks, ISO/IEC 27001 and 27701 certification and stricter fit-and-proper checks.
• Player protection: online operators must offer self-exclusion and wagering, loss and time limits, allow one account per player, take deposits only by card or electronic transfer, give no credit and pay out within five working days.
• Advertising: gambling may not be shown as a route to success, celebrity endorsements of that kind are banned, and media adverts must warn about the 18+ age limit and the risk of addiction.

Who Can Bet in North Macedonia?

You must be 18 or older. Betting shops and other gambling venues must be at least 500 metres from primary and secondary schools.